October 5, 2009                                      For more information contact:

For Immediate Release                           Greg Stewart @ 248-7160

UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES HAMPER FAIR ATTENDANCE BUT OFFICIALS STILL HAPPY WITH FINAL OUTCOME

Even though the total attendance for the 2009 Central Washington State Fair was down about 2% from last year, Fair officials were still very happy with this year’s attendance, given the many obstacles that they faced this year.   On opening Saturday attendance was down a little over 5,000 compared to last year due to affects from the fire at the old mill site just down the road from the Fair.  Power was out for 40 minutes and roads leading to the Fair were closed for several hours on Saturday evening.  Then rain, wind and cooler-than-normal temperatures hit the final weekend, which affected attendance some as well.  The total attendance for this year’s Fair was 298,941, which was off from the 304,962 in 2008, but up from 2007 when 294,411 attended the Fair.

“We definitely faced some challenges this year,” said Fair president and general manager Greg Stewart. “But overall we had a great Fair. From the response we’ve received from our visitors we think this year’s Fair was exceptional.”

Among a variety of food, entertainment and exhibits, one of the new big attractions that helped draw crowds this year was Candy Nation.  The exhibit took up the entire Pioneer Hall Building and drew thousands and thousands of visitors over the 10 days to look, smell, taste and buy all different kinds of candies.

The Jungle Experience, featuring a variety of tigers, cougars and other exotic animals was another big draw, as was the entertainment at the Budweiser Stage and the Coca-Cola Grandstand. 

On opening weekend of the Fair large crowds showed up to see country star Phil Vassar and singer Juice Newton. 

The Fair beefed up mid-week entertainment this year and featured Billy Ray Cyrus, Boyz II Men and REO Speedwagon. On the final weekend Little River Band performed as did Mexican novella stars Laura Flores and Sergio Goyri.  A big crowd also took in two days of the Pro West Finals rodeo at the Grandstand on the last Friday and Saturday of the Fair.

Other entertainment at this year’s Fair included country singer Jamie Lee Thurston, two nights of sprint car races, a Mexican music festival and a demolition derby.

Of course there was also plenty to eat, see and do at this year’s Fair.  Over 60 food booths stayed busy throughout the Fair as people showed up for tasty foods they get only once a year.  Butler’s Amusements also reported that this year’s Fair was one of their best ever.   

              Stewart said that dates for next year’s version of the annual Fair will be September 24 through October 3, 2010 and the Fair management and staff are already making plans for next year’s Fair. 

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